Tobey Maguire, Tom Holland, and Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man: No Way Home
By
Richard Craig
Published 25 minutes ago
Richard Craig is Senior Author at Screen Rant, covering everything superhero related. Richard has also written extensively about horror and film soundtracks, contributing a chapter to the first major academic collection on the folk horror genre, The Routledge Companion to Folk Horror. Richard is also a performing musician and holds an MA in Music and Sound Art.
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Superhero movies often struggle to outdo the magic of their first installments, but every so often, a sequel comes along that raises the bar forever. Across Marvel and DC, several second and third chapters have achieved near-unanimous praise for surpassing the films that introduced their heroes. These movies make the originals feel like just a warm-up act.
These MCU timeline and DC Universe follow-ups refine the tone, deepen the characters, and deliver bigger emotional and visual payoffs. Whether through sharper storytelling, upgraded action sequences, or bold tonal reinventions, these sequels prove the genre’s potential for evolution. Indeed, when a sequel hits this level, it doesn’t merely continue the story – it redefines the superhero franchise.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Tony Stark slouched with the Iron Man suit in Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 stands out by fully embracing Tony Stark’s personal journey rather than relying on the suit-driven spectacle that defined the first two movies. The sequel digs into Stark’s PTSD following the Battle of New York. It grounds the story emotionally and gives Robert Downey Jr. some of his strongest dramatic material in the franchise.
That character-focused approach instantly makes Iron Man 3 more layered than Iron Man 2. The film also plays with expectations, using Shane Black’s signature style to blend mystery, humor, and subverted tropes. The controversial Mandarin twist ultimately serves the narrative by reinforcing the movie’s theme: Iron Man isn’t about the armor, but the man behind it.
This thematic clarity sharpens the film’s identity. Iron Man 3 elevates its action with inventive set pieces like the Air Force One rescue and the climactic multi-suit battle. It’s slicker, funnier, and more confident than its predecessor.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Thor grins while wearing Sakaar armor in Thor Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok reinvented the Thor franchise with a bold tonal shift that immediately surpassed the more solemn, myth-heavy Thor 2: The Dark World. Taika Waititi infused a wild energy that allowed Chris Hemsworth to explore Thor’s comedic potential. This transformed the character into one of the MCU’s most entertaining leads.
Ragnarok brought a vibrant, cosmic adventure the previous movies never attempted. Beyond its humor, the sequel deepens Thor’s arc by stripping him of everything familiar – Mjolnir, Asgard, even his own self-image. This forced him to discover a new sense of identity, something that resonated far more strongly than his earlier “fish out of water” storyline.
Ragnarok’s emotional beats provide balance to the colorful chaos. It’s visual style, synth-heavy soundtrack, and imaginative world-building made it one of the MCU’s most distinctive entries. Of course, Hulk's shocking return is a huge highlight. It’s the rare sequel that completely redefines a character for the better.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Spider Man on a moving train in Spider-Man 2
Spider-Man 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest superhero films ever made. Its success stems from its perfect fusion of character development and spectacle. While the first movie established Peter Parker’s struggles, the sequel pushes them to their breaking point.
Peter’s conflict between responsibility and personal happiness reaches emotional depths the original never touched. Doctor Octopus also elevates the narrative. Alfred Molina brings humanity to a villain who could have easily been one-dimensional, giving the film an emotional weight that enhances its action scenes. His tragic descent and eventual redemption are still touchstones for comic book storytelling.
This adds credibility and pathos to every encounter in Spider-Man 2. The sequel’s action is leaps ahead of the original, especially the iconic train battle – a benchmark for superhero filmmaking. With stronger themes, richer performances, and more dynamic direction, Spider-Man 2 unequivocally surpasses Spider-Man.
Logan (2017)
Hugh Jackman in Logan black and white looking over his shoulder
Logan takes everything that began in the X-Men and Wolverine movies and elevates it. It boasts a raw, character-driven, R-rated story that feels worlds apart from Wolverine’s earlier outings, particularly The Wolverine. While the first solo Wolverine film struggled with tone and narrative, Logan strips away the superhero gloss to present a brutal, intimate road movie.
It’s Hugh Jackman’s most powerful performance as the character. Logan also succeeds by focusing on Logan’s relationship with Professor X and Laura, grounding its emotional stakes in themes of family, legacy, and mortality. This depth makes Logan feel more like a prestige drama than a typical superhero sequel.
It’s a bold reinvention of the genre rather than a simple continuation. The restrained storytelling gives every moment more weight. With visceral action, haunting atmosphere, and a heartbreaking final act, Logan doesn’t just surpass its predecessors – it transcends traditional superhero storytelling entirely.
X2: X-Men United (2003)
alan cumming as nightcrawler in x-men movie x2
X2: X-Men United improves on the original X-Men film in almost every way, starting with its opening sequence: Nightcrawler’s attack on the White House. This instantly signals a more stylish and confident sequel. The larger ensemble cast is better balanced, and the story explores deeper themes of prejudice and identity.
Compared to the first film’s more modest approach, X2 feels bigger and more ambitious. The sequel shines in its exploration of Wolverine’s mysterious past. The Weapon X revelations give the character a new dimension, and the emotional fallout strengthens his relationships with the rest of the team.
Meanwhile, Magneto and Mystique get standout moments that elevate the franchise’s villains. The stakes feel sharper and more personal. With better action, a tighter script, and more expansive world-building, X2 is the quintessential example of a superhero sequel that outperforms the original in nearly every category.
Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
Chris Evans' Captain America in Avengers: Infinity War looking shocked
Avengers: Infinity War takes the groundwork laid in The Avengers and The Avengers: Age of Ultron and pushes the MCU into darker, grander territory. Unlike the previous film, which focused on bringing the team together, Infinity War forces every hero into a desperate scramble against an unstoppable threat. This structure gives the movie a far greater urgency and unpredictability.
Thanos’ prominence is one of the film’s biggest upgrades. Instead of a generic villain, the mighty Thanos becomes the emotional center of the story, driving the narrative with eerie conviction. His complex motives and quiet moments make Infinity War feel more character-driven, despite its massive scale.
The villain’s depth alone marks a major evolution from the earlier movies. The ending is a bold swing that fundamentally alters the MCU. Its emotional gut punch, paired with spectacular battles and sharp humor, surpasses The Avengers: Age of Ultron in ambition and impact.
Superman II (1980)
Christopher Reeve as Superman in front of a USA flag in Superman II
Superman II builds on the foundation of the 1978 classic by delivering higher stakes, deeper character conflict, and a more satisfying exploration of Superman’s dual identity. The first film largely focused on establishing Clark Kent’s origins. The sequel thrusts him into a crisis that forces him to choose between love and duty.
This emotional struggle enriches his character in ways the original only hinted at. General Zod and his fellow Kryptonian villains provide a formidable challenge that far exceeds Lex Luthor’s schemes from the first movie. Their arrival raises the scale and spectacle, giving audiences the superpowered confrontations they wanted from a Superman story.
The villains’ personalities and motivations add tension throughout the film. Blending romance, action, and monumental choices, Superman II feels like a fuller realization of Superman’s world. Its stronger pacing and higher-stakes conflicts allow it to surpass the original.
Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Spider-Man and MJ falling in Spider-Man No Way HomeMatt Kennedy/Sony Pictures Releasing/Marvel Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection
Spider-Man: No Way Home delivers an emotionally charged, multiversal story that surpasses both previous MCU Spider-Man films. While Homecoming and Far From Home leaned heavily into teen comedy and high-school hijinks, No Way Home embraces a darker, more mature tone. This forces Peter Parker to confront the consequences of his choices.
This shift gives the film an emotional heft the series hadn’t fully explored. The return of legacy characters elevates the movie further. Bringing back past villains and past Spider-Men could have felt gimmicky, but instead it enriches Peter’s journey.
The interactions between the three Spider-Men allow the film to explore themes of redemption and shared trauma in meaningful ways. This depth sets it apart from previous entries. Anchored by Tom Holland’s strongest performance and a tragic finale, No Way Home stands as the most powerful and ambitious Spider-Man film in the MCU.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)
Sebastian Stan's Bucky Barnes looks to the side in Captain America The Winter Soldier
Captain America: The Winter Soldier redefines its franchise by shifting from a patriotic adventure to a grounded political thriller. Captain America: The First Avenger served as a nostalgic origin story for Steve Rogers. Yet the sequel plunges Steve Rogers into a modern world of espionage, corruption, and shifting loyalties.
This tonal overhaul creates a richer narrative that surpasses the original’s straightforward charm. The Winter Soldier himself is a significant upgrade from the first film’s villains. Bucky Barnes’ tragic transformation gives the story emotional depth, turning every confrontation into a painful clash between past and present.
The movie’s moral ambiguity and conspiratorial undertones add complexity that elevates the genre. The stakes feel more intense and personal. Expert choreography, sharp writing, and gripping twists make The Winter Soldier one of the MCU’s most respected films. It doesn’t just improve the franchise – it reshapes the entire cinematic universe.
The Dark Knight (2008)
Heath Ledger as Joker in The Dark Knight movie
The Dark Knight is considered one of the greatest sequels ever made. It transforms what Batman Begins started into a crime epic with psychological depth and genre-defining tension. While the first film rebooted Batman effectively, the sequel expands the story into a broader exploration of chaos, morality, and responsibility. It’s more ambitious in both scope and theme.
Heath Ledger’s Joker is the centerpiece of that evolution. Unlike the DC villains in Batman Begins, the Joker challenges Batman philosophically as well as physically. Ledger’s chilling performance injects the movie with unpredictability and danger, pushing the sequel far beyond standard superhero fare.
Joker’s presence elevates every scene he’s in. With gripping action, unforgettable performances, and a script that treats its subject matter with unprecedented seriousness, The Dark Knight surpasses Batman Begins to become the definitive Batman film. It is possibly the best example of a sequel that completely outperformed its predecessor.
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Like Follow Followed Iron Man 3 PG-13 Action Adventure Science Fiction Superhero
8/10
45
7.3/10
Release Date
May 3, 2013
Runtime
130 Mins
Cast
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Robert Downey Jr.
Tony Stark
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Gwyneth Paltrow
Pepper Potts
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Like Follow Followed Thor: Ragnarok PG-13 Action Adventure Science Fiction
7/10
70
8.7/10
Release Date
November 3, 2017
Runtime
131 minutes
Cast
See All-
Chris Hemsworth
Thor
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Mark Ruffalo
Bruce Banner / Hulk
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Like Follow Followed Spider-Man 2 PG-13 Action Adventure Sci-Fi Superhero
10/10
92
9.1/10
Release Date
June 25, 2004
Runtime
127 minutes
Cast
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Tobey Maguire
Spider-Man / Peter Parker
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Kirsten Dunst
Mary Jane Watson
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Like Follow Followed Logan R Action Drama Sci-Fi Superhero
8/10
68
8.7/10
Release Date
March 3, 2017
Runtime
137 Minutes
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Hugh Jackman
Logan / Wolverine / X-24
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Dafne Keen
Laura Kinney / X-23
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Like Follow Followed X2: X-Men United PG-13 Adventure Action Sci-Fi Superhero 48 8.4/10 Release Date April 27, 2003 Runtime 133 minutes Director Bryan Singer Writers Dan Harris, David Hayter Producers Avi Arad, Lauren Shuler Donner, Ralph Winter, Stan Lee Prequel(s) X-MenCast
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Hugh Jackman
Logan / Wolverine
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Patrick Stewart
Professor Charles Xavier
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Like Follow Followed Avengers: Infinity War PG-13 Adventure Action Science Fiction
6/10
156
9.3/10
Release Date
April 27, 2018
Runtime
149 minutes
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Robert Downey Jr.
Tony Stark / Iron Man
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Chris Evans
Steve Rogers / Captain America
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Like Follow Followed Superman II PG Science Fiction Action Adventure Release Date December 4, 1980 Runtime 127 minutes Director Richard Lester Writers David Newman, Leslie Newman, Mario Puzo Producers Pierre Spengler Franchise(s) SupermanCast
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Christopher Reeve
Superman / Clark Kent
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Margot Kidder
Lois Lane
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Terence Stamp
General Zod
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Sarah Douglas
Ursa
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Like Follow Followed Spider-Man: No Way Home PG-13 Superhero Action Adventure Fantasy 198 9.0/10 Release Date December 17, 2021 Runtime 148 MinutesCast
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Tom Holland
Peter Parker
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Zendaya
MJ
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Like Follow Followed Captain America: The Winter Soldier PG-13 Adventure Action Sci-Fi Superhero
8/10
30
9.0/10
Release Date
April 4, 2014
Runtime
136 Minutes
Cast
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Chris Evans
Steve Rogers / Captain America
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Samuel L. Jackson
Nick Fury
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Like Follow Followed The Dark Knight PG-13 Drama Action Crime Thriller Superhero
10/10
146
9.5/10
Release Date
July 16, 2008
Runtime
152 minutes
Cast
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Christian Bale
Bruce Wayne
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Heath Ledger
Joker
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